Has someone you care about been harmed in a hospital, nursing home or care facility due to abuse or neglect?

Although federal and state laws require nursing homes to maintain the “highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident,” hundreds of vulnerable nursing home residents are victims of abuse and/or neglect each year. From the moment you first suspect abuse, you are set on an emotional journey that can be devastating and quickly leave you feeling helpless and overwhelmed. You do not have to deal with the situation alone. While your first priority must be to ensure that your loved one is safe and protected, you may also decide that you want to contact a lawyer and learn about your rights for holding the person or facility responsible for the abuse or neglect accountable.

If you are considering filing a lawsuit, there are a few things you will want to consider:

Timeliness in bringing a claim is important. You will need to take steps to protect and enforce your legal rights. In Arizona, claims of abuse or neglect must be brought within two years of the date of the incident.

Experience counts and you will want to work with the most experienced lawyer you can find. Abuse and neglect claims are complicated and large health care companies fight hard defending against negligence claims. It is important that you retain an attorney with a history of successfully fighting these battles. Effective litigation not only provides compensation for your suffering, but ultimately results in safer conditions for all seniors.

You may want to consider a Certified Legal Specialist. Through the State Bar of Arizona, the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization identifies lawyers who have demonstrated superior knowledge, skill, integrity, professionalism and competence in a specific area of law, to better serve the public. To obtain certification, lawyers must pass a written exam and meet a number of specific requirements. Out of a total State Bar membership of more than 17,500 active members, only approximately 750 Arizona attorneys have earned Board certification in the eight categories of specialization.

If you or a family member has been the victim of nursing home, assisted living or hospital abuse, it is important to seek the most qualified legal assistance available to you. At Udall Shumway & Lyons, H. Micheal Wright has earned a reputation of excellence in our community. He understands the devastating effects nursing home abuse and neglect can have on your and your family’s lives. He is committed to protecting nursing home and hospital residents and their families from abuse and neglect and fighting to hold wrongdoers accountable. With decades of experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims, and 15 years specializing in nursing home and hospital abuse cases, Certified Specialist H. Micheal Wright is ready to fight for your loved ones rights.